Aphrodisiac Effect of Aloe vera Gel Supplementation in Diet of Drosophila melanogaster Meigen

Abstract

The well-established model organism Drosophila melanogaster Meigen was used in the present study to ascertain the aphrodisiac property of Aloe vera gel supplementation in diet on it’s mating behaviour and fitness parameters. The results revealed that the gel supplementation enhanced its reproductive performance. Male Drosophila individuals with high vigour (short mating latency period) reacted quickly in a female’s presence, while a male with less vigour (a large mating latency period) responded slowly. Copulation duration was found to be negatively correlated with mating latency. Treated groups showed longer copulation duration and shorter mating latency period. Female fecundity was observed to be significantly and positively correlated with copulation duration. Increased copulation duration in A. vera supplement fed females revealed increased egg lying. Thus, A. vera gel supplemented diet enhances the reproductive fitness parameters in D. melanogaster.